40 gr Bergers

Share information about reloading the 204 Ruger.
Kale
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.204 Ruger Guns: Rem 700 VTR

40 gr Bergers

Post by Kale »

Many guys shooting these? I have a good load with benchmark powder and the 35gr Bergers but wanting alitttle more punch and BC that the 40's offer.

2 groups from today at 100 yards.

First 5 shot group with 24gr of benchmark (Bergers data shows 24.6gr as a max load)
1 shot got away from me.

Image
This is another 5 shot group at 25gr of benchmark. I shot a group right before this so the barrel was warm, not to hot though
Image

I don't have a chronograph so I am wondering what kinOd of speed I should be expecting with these loads out of a 24" barrel?
Last edited by Kale on Fri Oct 05, 2012 2:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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bow shot
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.204 Ruger Guns: Rock River Arms AR-15 Varminter
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by bow shot »

40 Bergers shot very well for me in 1:12 barrels: A Savage VLP (bull 26") and a Rock River AR15 (bull 24"). With either rifle, I could expect 0.5" without trying , and 0.3" when my shooting form was good. I only shoot bipod with a bag in back, and I'm not a very good shooter, lol!

My loads are in the "Favorite Loads" thread... quite sure it was 25gn Benchmark for both rifles, and I tinkered a LOT.
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bow shot
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by bow shot »

I should mention also, that no one in my area carries them anymore... now I'm all about the 32 gn SBKs which group equally well, but I mess the Bergers...

Next time I have enough $ for a Midway order, I'm gonna stock up!!
Kale
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.204 Ruger Guns: Rem 700 VTR

Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Kale »

Any idea on the speeds you got with te 25gr of benchmark? Just loaded some up with h4895 to test out. Loads from 27.4gr in .2 gr increments to 28gr hope I can get one of those to work!
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bow shot
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.204 Ruger Guns: Rock River Arms AR-15 Varminter
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by bow shot »

I don't have a chrony. I may go for one someday though. Funny thing, the trajectory out to 300 y was identical tot he 32 gn Sierra SBKs... I rellay liked the idea a a 40 gn flying like 32, but packing that much more punch!
Bill K
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.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Bill K »

bow shot wrote:I should mention also, that no one in my area carries them anymore... now I'm all about the 32 gn SBKs which group equally well, but I mess the Bergers...

Next time I have enough $ for a Midway order, I'm gonna stock up!!
Found a site "Extreme Accuracy" (goggle them) that seems to have the best price on Berger's. Bill K :)
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bow shot
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by bow shot »

Thanks kindly Bill K!!
milkman
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by milkman »

Oh yeah, those are some nice groups...The forty grain bergers are my go to for bench and varminting. They truly are a match grade round
Kale
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Kale »

Here is a load I worked up that I think I will be using.

40 gr Berger
28gr of H4895
Fed 205m primer
Federal case
Didn't measure the COAL but they JUST fit in the mag on my Tikka Varmint.

Had one flyer in the 5 shot group.
Image

Figure these should be close to 3850-3900 fps
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bow shot
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by bow shot »

A thing of beauty!!
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Vartarg
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Vartarg »

FYI: The 40gr Bergers are in stock at powdervalleyinc.com....good folks to do business with.....

George
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204cat
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by 204cat »

last pic looks more like four flyers and one hit.
Kale
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Kale »

Can anyone tell me how the 40gr work for you on coyotes? Many exits?
Bill K
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.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
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Re: 40 gr Bergers

Post by Bill K »

Kale... First I only have one exit hole ;) Not many.. :roll: on the coyotes I have shot.. :D Now, seriously, the 40 grain works for me fine, but I prefer the 35 Berger, as it does a better job and shoots better, at least for me on larger animals. Most of my shooting is with the 32-34 grains bullets, in both the 204R and 20VT. Bill K :)
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